Hockeyroo Anna Flanagan involved in team ‘protocol breach’

Hockeyroos veteran Anna Flanagan is to take time away from the game to recover from “on-going health issues” after being stood down for breaching team protocol.

London Olympian Flanagan, 24, missed Australia’s 3-1 victory on Sunday as they wrapped their three-match series win over India in Melbourne.

Hockey Australia issued a statement saying she had been stood down earlier in the day for an unspecified breach of team protocol.

Anna Flanagan poses with the Australian flag. Photo: Instagram

“Anna has decided to take time away from hockey to aid her recovery from on-going health issues after a difficult year both on and off the pitch,” said the statement.

“Hockey Australia will work with Anna and her family during this period, and ask that Anna’s privacy is respected as she works towards a full recovery.

Flanagan missed selection for the Rio Olympics earlier this year, when Hockey Australia said the decision was made on form and not influenced by the fact she had not informed them of a drink-driving conviction from a March incident in Perth.

Hockey Australia chief executive Cam Vale stressed on Sunday that HA would continue to support Flanagan while out of the game and its foremost concern was that she gets well.

It said there would be no further comment from Flanagan or from Hockey Australia at this time.

-AAP

Search real estate for sale or rent anywhere in Australia from licensed estate agents on simply type in any suburb in the search bar below